Wumie City.
This was a grand city located at the southernmost tip of the Tianxuan Continent.
Wumie City and Kongxu City were separated by the Death Marsh. In comparison, Wumie City lived a rather carefree life.
After all, a group of people were holding the line against the demon race in Kongxu City. Even if the demon race broke through Kongxu City, it wouldn't matter. They were still separated by a vast Death Marsh.
Furthermore, Wumie City had a super expert in the late Immortal Venerable stage guarding it. The demon race wouldn't be able to attack unless another large-scale war between humans and demons erupted.
The Blazing Fire Sect was situated in the eastern suburbs of Wumie City, occupying a quarter of the city's territory.
Xia Feng walked through the streets of Wumie City, experiencing its liveliness.
Wumie City had far more people than Kongxu City and was exceptionally bustling.
From the lowest perspective, these common people were doing alright. The exclusivity primarily manifested among cultivators, as they had conflicts of interest, leading them to look down upon cultivators from the lower realms.
After all, one more cultivator from the lower realm meant one more depletion of cultivation resources.
Xia Feng walked towards the Blazing Fire Sect, coming down early mainly to get a feel for the local customs and traditions.
...
Blazing Fire Sect.
"Everyone, pay attention. Today, the Broken Immortal Venerable is visiting our Blazing Fire Sect. Don't disgrace our sect."
The Grand Elder of the Blazing Fire Sect warned the disciples.
"Yes, Grand Elder," the disciples replied.
After the Grand Elder left, the disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect began to discuss amongst themselves.
"I heard the Broken Immortal Venerable is here for a marriage alliance, to forge a connection between the two families."
"There is such a matter. I heard it's the most favored female disciple under the Broken Immortal Venerable. She's only young but has already reached the Golden Immortal realm. Marrying our Blazing Fire Sect's eldest young master is considered a divinely ordained match."
"Once our two sects are allied through marriage, we'll be even stronger. We'll control the entire southern region."
The disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect grew more excited as they spoke, as if they were the ones getting married.
Amidst the anticipation of the Blazing Fire Sect, a white crane flew over the sect, carrying five people.
Among them, an old man sat at the crane's neck. Describing him as 'exceptionally stylish' would not be an exaggeration.
Honk~
The white crane let out a cry and descended towards the Blazing Fire Sect.
The Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect, Yin Shang, had already brought people to wait outside. As the white crane landed, the Broken Immortal Venerable and the four people behind him jumped down.
"Junior Yin Shang pays his respects to the Broken Immortal Venerable," Yin Shang said as he quickly stepped forward and politely greeted the Broken Immortal Venerable.
The Broken Immortal Venerable possessed strength in the mid-Immortal Venerable stage, making him quite a formidable figure. It was no wonder his entrance was different, paying more attention to pomp.
"No need for formalities. Where is your father?" the Broken Immortal Venerable waved his hand, indicating Yin Shang need not be so formal.
"Reporting to Senior, my father is awaiting your esteemed presence in the main hall," Yin Shang replied.
"Haha... good. It's been a while since I had a drink with your father," the Broken Immortal Venerable said, striding towards the main hall.
Following the Broken Immortal Venerable were two men and two women. All four were handsome and beautiful, especially one of the women whose face was like a peach blossom, gentle and tender, making one unable to help but look at her more.
She was the intended bride this time: Yu Shumin.
At this moment, her face was expressionless, her eyes etched with deep unwillingness. Even so, it was difficult to conceal her peerless beauty.
"Brother Yang Hua, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
Before the Broken Immortal Venerable entered, a hearty voice with full of vigor echoed from within the main hall.
"Brother Kang Shun, I hope you are well," the Broken Immortal Venerable responded loudly as he entered the hall.
The main hall was filled with people, all elders and important disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect.
"Haha... very well," the Boundless Immortal Venerable chuckled.
After the Broken Immortal Venerable entered and took his seat, everyone exchanged greetings, and they soon got to the main topic of their meeting today.
"Shumin, quickly go and pay your respects to the Boundless Immortal Venerable. After today, you will be a person of the Blazing Fire Sect," the Broken Immortal Venerable called out to Yu Shumin.
Yu Shumin stood up, her face expressionless, and bowed towards the Boundless Immortal Venerable, saying, "Shumin pays her respects to the Boundless Immortal Venerable."
"Hmm, very good, very good," the Boundless Immortal Venerable looked at Yu Shumin, stroking his beard. He was quite satisfied.
He then looked at his grandson sitting not far behind and called out, "Shaohua, come up and get acquainted with Shumin."
Yin Shaohua had been secretly swallowing his saliva the moment Yu Shumin entered.
When he learned that he was to be married to Yu Shumin, he was so excited that he hadn't slept for several nights. Yu Shumin was not only beautiful but also a woman of excellent talent.
Such a woman was a rare gem, capable of exploring more intimate positions.
The reason for the marriage alliance, and for giving up someone with such exceptional talent, was because the Boundless Immortal Venerable had promised the Broken Immortal Venerable a Yellow Tree Fruit.
Otherwise, even if the Broken Immortal Venerable was willing to form a marriage alliance, he wouldn't use Yu Shumin, who had such great talent.
In the face of vital resources, humans were mere commodities to be exchanged.
Yin Shaohua immediately stood up upon hearing this and walked towards Yu Shumin, bowing in what he thought was a very dashing manner, saying:
"Shaohua offers his greetings."
Yu Shumin, with an expressionless face, nodded slightly.
She had no choice. The sect had issued an order, and she had to obey. She wished she could run away, but what about her parents?
More importantly, if she ran away, she would be offending not just one Immortal Venerable, but two. The Immortal Realm was vast, and there was nowhere for her to find refuge.
Even if she managed to escape and hide in Kongxu City, she wouldn't necessarily have a good life.
Yin Shaohua faced Yu Shumin directly, almost unable to control his inner impulses.
He wanted to feast tonight and couldn't wait another moment.
A woman of such caliber wasn't someone you could just enter and leave at will. Once you entered, you had to keep going in and out to feel it.
"Brother Kang Shun, I have brought Shumin here today. She is my sect's most talented disciple. You must treat her well," the Broken Immortal Venerable said, feeling somewhat relieved that Yu Shumin wasn't showing too much resistance.
"Brother Yang Hua, you can rest assured. Shumin is now a member of our Blazing Fire Sect, and she will be my grandson's wife. Of course, we will treat her well," the Boundless Immortal Venerable assured, stroking his beard.
"Mm, good," the Broken Immortal Venerable nodded. This was all he could do.
Although he felt some reluctance, the Yellow Tree Fruit was more important.
"Shaohua, Shumin has just arrived. Take her out to familiarize herself with the environment of the Blazing Fire Sect," the Boundless Immortal Venerable said, seeing his grandson staring at Yu Shumin intently, completely smitten, and decided to help him.
"Yes, Grandfather," Yin Shaohua said with great joy.
He then looked at Yu Shumin and said, "Shumin, I'll take you to my room... oh no... to my study to have a look."
Yu Shumin glanced at Yin Shaohua, her chest heaving with anger. He was so detestable.
This was her fate, and Yu Shumin had resigned herself to it. She could imagine her future life with her eyes closed.
It could be summarized in eight characters: enduring exploitation and living in fear, life worse than death.
Just then, a voice echoed throughout the entire Blazing Fire Sect:
"Boundless Immortal Venerable, come out and face your death!!!"